Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Phoenix, AZ: $29.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Phoenix, AZ runs $29.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,332 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Phoenix's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,201 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Phoenix, Arizona, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $29.01 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national median of $28.93. This competitive hourly wage offers promising opportunities for part-time workers and those on per-diem assignments, especially in popular settings such as residential service truck routes, commercial HVAC systems, and supermarket refrigeration units. For mechanics and installers working three days a week, typically clocking around 24 hours, this hourly pay could equate to a stable income, while the pay range spans from $18.12 for entry-level positions to $39.44 for veteran technicians in high-demand scenarios. These figures are derived from official data, reflecting the dynamic nature of the HVAC job market in Phoenix.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.12 | $144.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.49 | $179.90 |
| Median (P50) | $29.01 | $232.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.51 | $284.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.44 | $315.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phoenix
Based on $29.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.01/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phoenix, AZ can expect to earn approximately $60,335 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,809. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Phoenix.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Phoenix
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,160.29 | $5,028 | $60,335 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $696.18 | $3,017 | $36,201 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.12 | $2,011 | $24,134 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Phoenix) | $29.01 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Auto Service Technician (National Avg) | $24.83 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $60,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.26% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 6.80% above the Arizona state average of $56,491.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.01/hr = $36,201/year (purchasing power: $35,039).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,335/year (purchasing power: $58,399).
CoL index: 103.316 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Phoenix grew 26.1% from $22.16/hr (2019) to $27.94/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.12/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.82% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer in Phoenix
Examining the earning potential reveals notable distinctions between full-time and part-time opportunities. A mechanic working part-time for 24 hours weekly at the median rate stands to earn approximately $36,172 annually, significantly less than a full-time technician’s income. Those in per-diem positions often have higher earning potentials, with rates ranging from $30 to $55 per hour, supplemented by daily per diem rates of $80-$150 for out-of-town assignments. Residential firms tend to offer competitive pay structures with guaranteed minimums for service calls, while self-employed contractors in high-cost markets can clear $90-$160 per hour during peak seasons. Hourly rates can vary significantly by employer type in Phoenix, where commercial HVAC contractors, data center operations, and refrigeration specialty companies each present unique pay scales. Many technicians might make trade-offs, opting for lower hourly rates with benefits over higher pay without them. Consequently, robust negotiation skills are essential, particularly when navigating offers from multiple employers in a vibrant job market.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Phoenix in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Phoenix?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Phoenix paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Phoenix?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Phoenix?
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Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Phoenix. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers (SOC 49-9021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov